a NEW film camera in 2024 | Pentax 17 first impressions

A brand new film camera in 2024, the Pentax 17. A 35mm half frame camera with some interesting features, who is this camera for and what does it mean for film photography moving forward?

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[SamuelStreetlife]

Yes to a full frame version of this. Please Pentax🙏 Its so much fun to shoot with

[TDub]

Not sure if this is for me, but I'll ultimately pick one up just for the sake of supporting what they are doing in hopes more companies will start making film cameras again.

[GTAYLOR]

I am probably going to buy it not only because I want it to succeed but also because my first real camera was a Pentax K1000 my mom bought me new back in the 80’s(still have it and it still works including the light meter). I have really do have a soft spot in my heart for Pentax, even though I now own and use Leicas.

[ka_sh_iif]

First impressions of the mustache, 10 out of 10

[pscion]

We can't let Pentax die. They seem to be interested in making photography accessible and fun.

[rf]

Personally I think the design is really nice. I'm really digging the half frame quality, it reminds me of 16mm movie stills. I'm rooting for it. Pentax has always been the leader in quirky designs.

[imcg]

Yes Please. I have an original Olympus Pen F half frame and love how it makes me think differently when shooting, but its slow to use. A new Pentax half frame with metering and flash. Why not?? It looks fun. I can easily see myself going out with a Leica M in my other hand and letting the 17 do what it does best. It almost feels like "Lomography" but with a cracking lens! More importantly Pentax deserves our support so their next new film camera feels like a viable business option. Thanks for showing us the camera.

[mckinleygphotography]

I hope it is an indicator to Pentax that people are still interested in film and are willing to invest in a new film camera and continue making devices. That is the hope.

[Ruylopez]

Disposables were really popular in Japan a few years back. Not sure if the trend has peaked now, but with the film revival for gen z, I think this camera makes a lot of sense. It's like a premium compact, but half frame, so you get double the exposures per roll and don't need to worry about it dying (like a 90s Contax). I can see it appealing to those who want to shoot film in an accessible way, and more serious hobbyists or pros that have it as a fun alternative.

[huntercreatesthings]

Bulk rolled HP5 in this thing might just be the cheapest cost per shot you can get. Pleasantly surprised at how well the lens performs!

[robbiemer]

I am probably NOT the market for this but I do want one.
I'm and old guy and "thought" I had the film cameras I'll need for the rest of my life. Currently I have a decent 4x5 set up, a good MF kit, several 35mm RF and SLR cameras, and a few oddball cameras that my friends and family have given me. Heck, I even have--and quite like using--an AGAT18k. (An old Soviet 1/2 frame camera) And I do still enjoy getting out the Pentax Auto 110 a couple times a year.
But this new Pentax seems very appealing to me. I would not hesitate to bring only this camera, some film, and a filter or two along on a vacation. And can see this becoming a daily carry.
Hopefully this releases at $500--less would be fine but I think Pentax deserves to make a profit--or so. At that price I will definitely buy one. If it is more than that I will need to think about it some more.
Well done Pentax!
And, thank you, Matt, for sharing your views on it and your excellent photos!

[WesleyVerhoevePhotography]

I'm PUMPED about this, I loved using it

[Makeupmaniacx]

i’m so grateful to have been given this camera as a birthday gift, after wanting to learn more about film photography. I’ve been having so much fun with it, and even though it doesn’t have all the manual features to learn on, the half frame I think will be great way to get more test photos that will end up saving more money in the long run on film/developing. As a casual enjoyer of film that wanted to move away from disposables, i’m loving it so far!

[horrorcrux]

This looks like a professional response to the popularity of the Kodak H35 and H35N. It looks really good and really clean.

My main issue with the H35 is that the viewfinder is off center to the lens, which this fixes.

Like you said I love half frame cameras as a "sketchbook" almost.

[Skux]

Your shots look great, people will be surprised by how much quality they can get out of half frame

[leon_wolke]

Honestly, I think they nailed it with half frame. With all the younger people on a tight budget getting into film, while prices keep increasing. Half frame was the perfect pic. Auto focus would be nice but then it would be much more expensive.
I think they nailed it and I really think about getting one.

[biosfearmag]

It's like an updated version of my Fujica Half. Surprised they went with this first instead of a full-frame version.

[jakeoliveira]

i’ve been pretty impressed by the image quality. i think the modern lens technology is maybe helping compensate for the lower resolution from the half frame. hope to pick one up at some point.

[crazedcamcollector]

I bought one of these and used it this past weekend at a 4 year old’s birthday party. Took 2 rolls of 36, 72 photos, and could not put this camera down. It was just so fun to shoot with and I felt totally comfortable with the half framing even though I primarily use a Leica M6, M10-R and Sony RX1R II. In other words, full frame all the way normally. Maybe it’s because I am used to taking photos on my iPhone too, which I absolutely do not like the aesthetic, and that made this feel natural for me. Three items I did not like: first is the rewind. My first roll somehow got stuck on the take up spool at the end and I had to open the back and forcefully remove the film. Lost a few shots there for sure. Second - the shutter release is not smooth and I missed a few shots due to the feel. Third, the flash recycle when doing the family photos delayed a few shots. Not terrible and I got used to this and planned better, but just wish it could be even a few scant seconds quicker. Overall though, loved it and zero regrets. This is going to be a favorite of mine until the new Rollei 35 comes out and hopefully I can try that out. But still, this one is a keeper for me.

[liamwoods]

This looks like a good start, would love this in a full frame 35mm version. Maybe even a fixed lens 120mm version would fit a nice niche